tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956566555973167582015-03-02T19:12:37.919-08:00Chicago DUI Law BlogThey who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin, 1775Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.comBlogger661125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-25414314184176945432015-03-02T19:12:00.000-08:002015-03-02T19:12:37.943-08:00Chicago DUI Attorney Comments on License Suspensions for DUI Arrests<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This Chicago DUI attorney has posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/11/chicago-dui-lawyer-comments-on-stiffer.html">here</a>&nbsp;and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2008/05/illinois-ignition-interlock-device-law.html">here</a>about having your driving privileges taken away before you ever have your first day in court.&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/watchdog/ct-dui-paperwork-mistakes-met-20150227-story.html#page=1">From the Chicago Tribune</a>:</span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bureaucratic mix-ups have let thousands of drunken drivers avoid mandatory license suspensions and stay on the roads, a Tribune investigation has found.&nbsp;</span></blockquote><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A Tribune review of state data found case after case across the Chicago area in which the arrest of these drivers—some with repeat DUIs—are not being logged into the state computers to ensure their licenses are suspended.&nbsp; The failures come in a process that still relies on police filling out forms by hand and mailing them to the state, a process rife with human error that frustrates anti-DUI advocates.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“There are so many ways for things to get lost,” said Cathy Stanley, with Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists.&nbsp; “Nothing is instantaneously done or efficiently done like it should be.”</span></blockquote><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The process leaves a host of ways arrests can fall through the cracks.&nbsp; Police may not mail the proper forms.&nbsp; The forms could get lost in the mail, or in state offices.&nbsp; An officer’s handwriting might be too hard to read and be sent back for fixes.&nbsp; The secretary of state’s office told the Tribune it tries to work with police but it’s impossible to know how many reports aren’t sent.</span></blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is just one major problem with these concerns and that is a failure to provide the accused with Due Process.&nbsp; It does not cease to amaze me that on the one hand we don’t want the government listening to our conversations, and yet on the other hand we do want the government to decide whether you get to have a judge decide whether you are entitled to drive when you are accused of a DUI or whether we want to trust law enforcement to make that decision for you. &nbsp; It remains my contention that if we genuinely wish to have law enforcement make those decisions for us, then lets just scuttle the entire court system.&nbsp; After all, everybody knows that when law enforcement makes a decision they are infallible right?</span></div><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script><script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}</script>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-74460958542300450072015-01-19T09:35:00.002-08:002015-01-19T09:35:27.292-08:00Chicago DUI Lawyer's Thoughts on Martin Luther King's Holiday<script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script><script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}</script><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My Dear Friends,</div><div><br /></div><div>I have already posted my thoughts over at Chicago Criminal Law Blog on this subject. &nbsp;There is always something you can do today.-- Pax<br /><br /><a href="http://chicagocriminaldefenselaw.blogspot.com/2015/01/chicago-criminal-lawyers-thoughts-on.html">Continue reading over at Chicago Criminal Law Blog</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-81859517030027885712014-11-03T08:51:00.002-08:002014-11-03T08:51:31.552-08:00Chicago DUI Attorney Reminds You To VoteTomorrow is election day. &nbsp;And like many people, I am busy. &nbsp;My husband is busy. &nbsp;We have to work. &nbsp;I have to pack after work for a flight for a memorial service. &nbsp;But we voted already. &nbsp;We prefer to vote early so that nothing gets in the way on election day. <br /><div><div><br /></div><div>This year, we decided to vote by mail/absentee ballot. &nbsp;If you do not already have a mail/absentee ballot you are not able to do so for tomorrow's election. &nbsp;And please note, your ballot must be "postmarked <u>before</u> Election Day and received no later than 14 days after Election Day in order to be counted." &nbsp;So that means your ballot must be postmarked no later than today ( this is for Chicago registered voters). &nbsp;Otherwise you, or your authorized agent, can hand deliver it to the Board of Elections no later than 7 pm on Election Day. &nbsp;Your ballot cannot be turned in at an Early Voting Site, nor can it be turned in at your actual Polling Place to be counted.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>But why is voting important? In Cook County over seventy judges are on the ballot, many to be retained. &nbsp;This is your chance to give voice to what you think is important. &nbsp;And yes there are guides from an array of Bar Associations who are recommending, and in some cases not recommending which judges you should vote for and which judges should be retained &nbsp;That said, it is a small, and important act for you to do your own research. &nbsp;Some of the judges have been featured in the news for their own legal woes. &nbsp;Some have been featured in the news for how they treat citizens who come to court to watch proceedings. &nbsp;Still others have been featured for their actual rulings. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>You have the power of the Internet. &nbsp;Yes. &nbsp;Please take your guide on the judges, but go ahead and check the names for decisions they've made and to learn a bit more about them.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are also, in the City of Chicago, referendums on the ballot. &nbsp;One is about universal background checks for the purchase of guns. &nbsp;Another is about medical cannabis dispensaries and whether local municipalities should decide where they are located. &nbsp;There are even referendums about insurance companies paying for prescription birth control methods and increasing the minimum wage. &nbsp;Finally, there is also a bill that would expand the rights of victims in court proceedings. &nbsp;All of these are important. &nbsp;You can take a bit of time before you vote and harness the Internet for more than sports scores or what happened on the Kardashians, you can research every candidate. You can research every referendum. &nbsp;You may very well be like me and surprise yourself with your choices.</div><div><br /></div><div>GOTV!</div><div><br /></div>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-6711410018687391992014-02-21T15:57:00.000-08:002014-02-21T15:57:30.491-08:00Chicago DUI Attorney Comments on DUIs Without Alcohol Consumption<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin-right: 6px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Chicago DUI attorney regularly gets told that you can't be charged with a DUI because no alcohol was consumed. &nbsp;I've posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2008/12/should-i-blow-or-do-any-of-other-tests.html">here</a>, <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/08/chicago-dui-lawyer-coments-on-young.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2011/06/chicago-dui-attorney-comments-on-perils.html">here </a>that this is not true. &nbsp;Still it is clear that people really think you can't get charged with a DUI because there was no alcohol, perhaps there was marijuana, or another substance, but not alcohol.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin-right: 6px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin-right: 6px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, sometimes people find out the hard way that yes, you can be charged with a DUI when there was no alcohol consumed. &nbsp;And yes, you can be found guilty of a DUI when there was no alcohol consumed.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin-right: 6px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin-right: 6px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/highland_park_deerfield/ct-huffing-dui-crash-trial-tl-20140221,0,529163.story">From the Chicago Tribune Today</a>:</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin-right: 6px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin-right: 6px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With less than a month to go until her trial date, the Highland Park teen accused of huffing chemicals and getting into a crash that killed a 5-year-old girl has not reached a plea agreement with the state, according to the Lake County State's Attorney office.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin-right: 6px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin-right: 6px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Illinois you can be charged with a Driving Under the Influence(DUI) charge for being impaired based on the consumption of alcohol, regardless of whether you submit to a breath test or not.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin-right: 6px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin-right: 6px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can also be charged with Driving Under the Influence of marijuana, other illicit substances, prescription drugs, or a combination of any of the aforementioned with alcohol.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin-right: 6px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 20px; line-height: 24px; margin-right: 6px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It happens every day.</span></div><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script><script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}</script>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-19099313994197207852014-01-06T06:29:00.000-08:002014-01-06T06:31:54.658-08:00Chicago DUI Lawyer Knows It Is Cold Outside, But The Courts Are Open<div>This Chicago DUI lawyer knows today is one to stay inside. &nbsp;The windchill levels could make today, and the rest of the week, the lowest recorded temperatures on record for the city of Chicago. &nbsp;How low you ask? &nbsp;Schools are closed in the City of Chicago. &nbsp; Public transportation is delayed. &nbsp;Non-essential, excluding court personnel, County Services are closed. &nbsp;Cook County Department of Corrections inmates will not have jail visits prior to Wednesday of this week. Additionally, &nbsp;if an inmate is slated for release but lacks transportation and/or shelter, the inmate can choose to remain in custody. &nbsp;But the courts are open. &nbsp;Inmates will not be transported to any courthouse in Cook County today, except for Leighton, also known as 26th and California. &nbsp;And yes, that courthouse is literally a couple of doors down from the residence of Cook County Inmates. <br /><br />Now what happens if you have court today and can't appear? &nbsp;If it is a civil matter, call the courthouse and get connected to your judge's clerk. &nbsp;Some judges are automatically giving status dates.<br /><br />If you have a criminal matter, this includes misdemeanor courts and traffic courts where there is the possibility of jail as a sentence, you should also call the courthouse, but I've been informed that no warrants will be issued for the accused if she or he is absent today.<br /><br />I will update as I get additional information. <br /><br />The most important thing you can do today is stay safe.</div><i></i><br /><div style="font-weight: bold;"><i><b><i><br /></i></b></i></div><i>Note: &nbsp;This post also appears today on Chicago Criminal Law Blog<b>.</b></i><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script><script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}</script>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-51242110627083899712013-09-27T06:17:00.000-07:002013-09-27T06:17:16.583-07:00Chicago DUI Attorney Wonders About the Effectiveness of RoadblocksThis Chicago DUI Attorney wants you to know that tomorrow night you do not want to start your weekend trapped in an invasive, and in some jurisdictions illegal, roadblock. &nbsp;So I've already done the leg work for you and here are the details.<script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script><script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}</script><br /><div><br /></div><div>From <a href="https://portal.chicagopolice.org/portal/page/portal/ClearPath/News/Press%20Releases">The Chicago Police Department's Website:</a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">The Chicago Police Department will conduct a Roadside Safety Check in the Calumet (5th) District at 11800 S. Halsted. The Roadside Safety Check will commence at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 27, 2013 and end at 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2013.</blockquote><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">During roadside safety checks, police officers slow down traffic, stop cars at regular intervals and watch for drivers who show signs of alcohol impairment and other violations as noted below.</blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Somehow, I think the citizens of this great city would rather spend these personnel hours with "boots on the ground" by way of community policing to <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-3yearold-boy-shot-at-cornell-square-park-is-out-of-hospital-20130925,0,6824567.story">decrease the number of intentional violent crimes that continue to befall this great city</a>. &nbsp;</div>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-40340369052427824382013-04-17T10:56:00.000-07:002013-04-17T10:56:53.464-07:00Chicago DUI Attorney Comments on Missouri v. McNeeley-- Needles, Blood, and DUIsThis Chicago DUI attorney has posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/09/chicago-dui-lawyer-comments-on-dui_26.html">here</a>, <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2008/10/us-supreme-court-decisions-influencing.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2008/05/peorias-no-refusal-weekend.html">here</a>&nbsp;on blood draws in DUI arrests. &nbsp;Earlier today, the Supreme Court of the United States(SCOTUS) issued it's opinion in <a href="http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/12pdf/11-1425_cb8e.pdf">Missouri v. McNeeley</a>.<script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script><script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}</script><div><br /></div><div>Justice Sotomayer wrote the opinion:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>We hold that in drunk-driving investigations, the natu­ral dissipation of alcohol in the bloodstream does not constitute an exigency in every case sufficient to justify conducting a blood test without a warrant.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>The judgment of the Missouri Supreme Court is affirmed.&nbsp;</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>It is so ordered.&nbsp;</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>In this case, McNeeley refused to consent to a blood draw. &nbsp;Law enforcement had his blood drawn, against his will, at a hospital and the results were almost twice the legal limit. &nbsp;McNeeley was successful in barring the blood results from being entered by the trial judge. &nbsp;The government appealed and the State Supreme Court of Missouri agreed with the trial judge. &nbsp;Then the government asked that the case be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court and SCOTUS agreed.</div><div><br /></div><div>That said, this ruling does not mean that there won't ever be a blood draw without a warrant. &nbsp;Instead, careful consideration to the facts of the case are to be considered prior to drawing blood without a warrant. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>But motorists’ diminished expectation of privacy does not diminish their privacy interest in preventing a government agent from piercing their skin. And though a blood test conducted in a medical setting by trained personnel is less intrusive than other bodily invasions, this Court has never retreated from its recognition&nbsp;</i><i>that any compelled intrusion into the human body implicates significant, constitutionally protected privacy interests. Finally, the government’s general interest in combating drunk driving does not justify departing from the warrant requirement without showing exigent circumstances that make securing a warrant impractical in a particular case.</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>This case now puts the government on notice that the default will be to obtain a warrant prior to drawing blood and if that does not occur, the government better be prepared to defend why it was not able to obtain a warrant prior to the blood draw.</div>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-39796598607499327482013-04-01T14:50:00.000-07:002013-04-01T14:50:39.979-07:00Chicago DUI Attorney Comments on Police Lying About DUI Arrests<div class="MsoNormal"><br />It is one simple question, why would the police lie about a DUI?<br /><br />This Chicago DUI attorney hears this all the time when ever she is in a trial or pretrial motion from the government. &nbsp;She thinks it's a really, really good question. &nbsp;Unfortunately, her answer is unlikable. It is also simple. The answer is, because they can.<br /><br />This Chicago DUI attorney has posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/11/chicago-dui-lawyer-comments-on.html">here</a>, <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/02/another-top-chicago-dui-officer-is.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/03/one-chicago-dui-arrest-for-one-chicago.html">here </a>about police officers not telling the truth in DUI arrests.<br /><br />Now comes word of a federal indictment against a former police commander accused of lying about DUI arrest records. &nbsp;Why did he do it you ask? &nbsp;It was for the money. &nbsp;The money was your tax paying dollars given to his department by the federal government.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding: 0px;">From the <a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-02-20/news/chi-former-des-plaines-commander-charged-20130220_1_dui-arrests-police-officers-face-federal-grant-money">Chicago Tribune</a>:<br /><br />Timothy Veit, 55, of Mount Prospect, is alleged to have “knowingly and intentionally inflated” the number of DUI arrests made under a federally funded grant designed to curb drunk driving and seat belt violations, according to charges from the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.<br /><br /><br />Federal authorities said the grant required submitting a form listing the number of DUI arrests made by police and the blood-alcohol content of the person arrested. Authorities said the department was then reimbursed for officer overtime pay, mileage and equipment.<br /><br />From 2009 to 2012, Veit allegedly falsely inflated DUI arrest numbers by 122, and provided fake blood-alcohol content levels for those “fictitious” arrests, authorities said.<br /><br />Authorities claim that Veit’s false reports meant the police department “fraudulently obtained” $132,893 in federal grant money from Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program grants funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.<br /><div><br />What do you think about police officers receiving overtime pay for DUI arrests?</div><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br /><br /><br /></div><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script><script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}</script>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-39254009489005201252013-01-28T16:03:00.004-08:002013-01-28T16:03:37.180-08:00Chicago DUI Attorney Says, "Si Su Puede!" Driver's Licenses for The Undocumented Are Now Legal<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">This Chicago DUI attorney has posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2012/12/chicago-dui-attorney-thinks.html">here</a>, <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2010/09/chicago-dui-attorney-comments-on_27.html">here</a>, <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2010/08/chicago-dui-attorney-comments-on_15.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/03/undocumented-people-drivers-licenses.html">here </a>about undocumented people driving in Illinois. &nbsp;Yesterday,&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Governor Quinn signed into law a bill that will permit undocumented people to obtain valid driver’s licenses in Illinois.&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">This should be good news no matter your feelings on undocumented folks.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">It was clear to me when I was a prosecutor and it is just as clear to me now as a defense attorney that undocumented people drive.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">It makes far more sense to let them legally obtain licenses.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">It means that when they purchase insurance, a requirement of the law that is not required for those that are documented in order to have a license, that insurance will honor claims filed on that policy.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">The insurance company can no longer have a back way out of paying on the claim by cancelling the policy when a claim is made against it due to the policy holder lacking a valid driver’s license.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">&nbsp; </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Something I’ve seen more times than I can count.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/17837501-418/gov-quinn-to-sign-bill-allowing-illegal-immigrant-drivers-licenses.html">From the Chicago SunTimes</a>:</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;">&nbsp;</span><span style="background: white; color: #3d3c3c; font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The signing of a bill Sunday allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses attracted dozens of potential motorists and a pack of top Illinois politicians, all eager to tout their role in legislation many see as a precursor to comprehensive immigration reform that could create a windfall of new citizens, and voters.</span><span style="background: white; color: #3d3c3c; font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span><span style="color: #3d3c3c; font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Auto insurance is a requirement for drivers under the new Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s Licenses program, which also requires drivers to pass a vision exam, a written test and driving test, said Secretary of State Jesse White during the bill signing ceremony Sunday afternoon in the Little Village neighborhood.</span><span style="color: #3d3c3c; font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The licenses will be limited to driving purposes only, said White, who added they will not be accepted as valid identification for a host of other activities, such as boarding an airplane.</span><span style="color: #3d3c3c; font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Illinois is now the fourth and most populous state to give illegal immigrants permission to drive.</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="normalparagraphstyle" style="margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 10.8pt;"><span style="color: #3d3c3c; font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Now, let’s hope we can make our roads safer while our politicians move away from the feel good stories and get down to the tough business at land.<o:p></o:p></span></div><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script><script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}</script>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-21714372304914749872012-12-13T19:13:00.000-08:002012-12-13T19:13:07.282-08:00Chicago DUI Attorney Thinks Undocumented Immigrants Are Going to Get Driver's Licenses Soon<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This Chicago DUI attorney has posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2010/09/chicago-dui-attorney-comments-on_27.html">here </a>, <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2010/08/chicago-dui-attorney-comments-on_15.html">here</a>,&nbsp;&nbsp;and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/03/undocumented-people-drivers-licenses.html">here&nbsp;</a>about the inability of undocumented immigrants to drive legally (you can’t get a driver’s license in Illinois if you are undocumented).&nbsp; Now, it looks like Springfield has come to its senses and soon, although it will still be a while, undocumented people will be able to obtain valid driver’s licenses in Illinois.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/16911100-418/churchgoers-laud-sen-cullerton-for-immigrants-license-bill.html">From the Chicago SunTimes</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="bodytext" style="margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 10.8pt;"><br /></div><div class="bodytext" style="margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 10.8pt;"><span style="color: #3d3c3c;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was kind of a homecoming for Illinois’ Senate president when he visited a Pilsen church Sunday to accept a thank you from its Latino congregation for pushing legislation to provide driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.</span></span></div><div class="bodytext" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3c3c;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sen. John Cullerton’s family has been involved in Illinois politics since Edward F. Cullerton was a powerful alderman from 1871 to 1920.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="bodytext" style="margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 10.8pt;"><span style="color: #3d3c3c;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The senator has received bi-partisan support for a bill that would allow illegal immigrants to get temporary licenses similar to those issued to foreign visitors who are here legally. By some estimates, 250,000 motorists in Illinois are here illegally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="bodytext" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3c3c;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cullerton said he’s confident the Illinois House will pass the measure next month after a 41-14 vote in the Senate on Dec. 4.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="bodytext" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3c3c;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“The state representatives see their senator voted for the bill,” Cullerton said. “It puts pressure on them and makes it easier for them to vote for the bill.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="bodytext" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3c3c;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is taking a “neutral” position on the bill, according to a spokesman, but Cullerton praised him for helping draft the legislation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="bodytext" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3c3c;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“He said that it’s workable and he can implement it,” Cullerton said, adding, “There were only about 5,000 of these licenses issued last year. Now there could be a quarter of a million people applying for them.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="bodytext" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.25in;"><span style="color: #3d3c3c;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some Republican legislators have said they’re strongly opposed to providing licenses to people breaking the law because they’re here without legal documents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Setting aside the controversy, this is good news because the undocumented drive every day throughout this state.&nbsp; Many pay insurance, maintain valid registration, and even submit to emissions testing on their vehicles doing everything else they could do to comply with the law.&nbsp; The problem is some don’t know our rules of the roads because they’ve never had to study and take our driver’s license examination. What happens when an undocumented/unlicensed, and yet insured, immigrant is at fault for an accident? Do you think that insurance company is going to promptly pay out on that claim?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even the staunchest opponents of this new law probably don’t want that unintended consequence to fall on licensed drivers throughout the state.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script><script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}</script>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-42463851495234899322012-10-01T09:09:00.000-07:002012-10-01T09:13:27.554-07:00Chicago DUI Attorney Comments on the Pending Demise of Court Supervision<div class="MsoNormal">This Chicago DUI attorney wonders, and not in jest, how long it will be before judges are unnecessary.&nbsp; She’s posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/03/illinois-senate-has-snatched-decision.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/03/now-judges-dont-get-to-make-sentencing.html">here </a>about the erosion of judicial discretion and it looks like that erosion may very well continue if you don’t write your legislators that you trust the judiciary to grant court supervision when, and where it’s appropriate.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><a href="http://thesouthern.com/news/local/court-supervision-may-end-for-drivers-in-fatal-crashes/article_fe4b5128-078d-11e2-a452-001a4bcf887a.html">&nbsp;From the Southern.com:</a></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">A state traffic safety committee on Tuesday unanimously approved Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s proposal to make drivers involved in fatal collisions ineligible for court supervision.<br />Under current law, drivers involved in some fatal crashes may seek court supervision. White, the traffic safety committee’s chairman, pushed to end that practice.</blockquote><div 0px="0px" 15px="15px" 22px="22px" arial="arial" elvetica="elvetica" helvetica="helvetica" line-height:="line-height:" margin-bottom:="margin-bottom:" neue="neue" padding:="padding:" sans-serif="sans-serif">One of the reasons I left prosecution was this very issue where citizens were charged in fatalities when they clearly were not at fault. This included the prosecution of a mother, when her child died in a an accident. &nbsp;She wasn't drinking, she wasn't texting, it was just a horrible tragedy. &nbsp;</div><div 0px="0px" 15px="15px" 22px="22px" arial="arial" elvetica="elvetica" helvetica="helvetica" line-height:="line-height:" margin-bottom:="margin-bottom:" neue="neue" padding:="padding:" sans-serif="sans-serif"><br />It's time. &nbsp;It's time to exercise your democracy and let your legislators know that you trust judges to grant court supervision in fatalities. &nbsp;Sometimes, tragedy strikes and there isn't a need to heap punishment on top of the tragedy.</div><br /><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script><script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}</script>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-43826073814861191392012-07-30T15:52:00.001-07:002012-07-30T15:52:04.435-07:00Chicago DUI Lawyer Comments on the Necessity of Slowing Down<script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script><script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {} </script><br /><div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This Chicago DUI Lawyer has commented <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2012/04/chicago-dui-attorney-comments-on.html">here</a>, <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2011/06/chicago-dui-attorney-thinks-you-should.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2010/03/chicago-dui-lawyer-thinks-media-doesnt.html">here</a>on the criminalization of speeding.&nbsp; I’m adamantly opposed to it.&nbsp; I think it is a complete and utter waste of taxpayers time and of our precious and limited resources when it comes to prosecuting crimes throughout the state, but especially in the density of a major metropolis like Chicago.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Unfortunately, your state legislators often find these stories more compelling than a lot of the agenda items and Governor Quinn just signed another one.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">From <a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-07-20/news/chi-quinn-signs-julies-law-to-stiffen-consequences-for-extreme-speeders-20120720_1_extreme-speeders-quinn-signs-pat-quinn-today">The Chicago Tribune</a>:</span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Gov. Pat Quinn today signed four road safety measures into law including one that toughens penalties for extreme speeders and was inspired by a fatal car crash in southwest suburban Orland Park last summer.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Coined “Julie’s Law,” the legislation was written in response to a two-vehicle crash that killed&nbsp; 17-year-old Julie Gorczynski in June 2011 when a Mazda smashed into the passenger side of her friend’s Jeep. The 21-year-old Mazda driver, who had a history of speeding violations, was found to be traveling at least 76 mph in a 40 mph zone, police said.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The law, which takes effect July 1, 2013, bars judges from giving court supervision, a form of probation, to drivers found traveling more than 25 mph over the limit on a nonrural road or more than 30 mph on a highway. The previous law allowed the probation for drivers caught driving up to 40 mph over the limit.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm predicting that in the not-too-distant future driving 25 mph over the limit will result in a criminal charge.</span></div>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-22889059265815683002012-07-28T15:17:00.000-07:002012-07-28T15:17:02.166-07:00Chicago DUI Lawyer Reminds You of Tonight's DUI RoadblockThis Chicago DUI attorney &nbsp;wants you to know that even if you aren't drinking alcohol, you can be charged with Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, including marijuana. Tonight's roadside safety check starts at 8 pm.<br /><div><br /></div><div>From the <a href="http://www.chicagopolice.org/MailingList/PressAttachment/dui28jul12.pdf">Chicago Police Department:</a></div><div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq">The Chicago Police Department will conduct a DUI Strike Force Patrol in the Englewood(007th) District. The DUI Strike Force Patrol will commence at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July&nbsp;28, 2012 and end at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 29, 2012. &nbsp;</span></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">&nbsp;The purpose of this program is to saturate a pre-designated area with roving police officers&nbsp;that continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving. &nbsp;Patrols also place&nbsp;emphasis on speed, alcohol-related and safety belt violations. &nbsp;Police vehicles equipped for&nbsp;speed detection are deployed to apprehend speeding violators.&nbsp;</span></blockquote></div><div>You can also be charged with any other traffic infraction that can be discovered in these &nbsp;roadblocks including driving without a license, or an expired license, &nbsp;or a suspended, or revoked license. &nbsp;Additionally, you, and your passengers (including those in the back seat) can be charged with failure to wear seat belts, and the driver can be charged with driving without insurance (even if the car is not yours).</div><div><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script><script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {} </script><br /><div><br /></div><div>It's a lot easier for you to avoid being charged in the first place than to have to hire an attorney.</div></div>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-85244318237323718552012-05-25T18:10:00.001-07:002012-05-25T18:26:11.556-07:00Chicago DUI Attorney Comments on the Heavy Police Presence on the Roads this Holiday Weekend<script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script><script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {} </script> Today marks the unofficial start to summer and with that start comes a need for many of us to hit the road. We head out for pic is, cookouts,and time at the Dunes, but keep in mind it is a holiday weekend and law enforcement will be out.<br /><br />&nbsp;This Chicago DUI attorney wants to alert you to buckle up, make sure you have a valid driver's license, insurance, and if you are driving avoid drinking. I know it goes without saying but it's not a good weekend to smoke weed either if you are going to be driving either.<br /><br />&nbsp;There are two roadside safety checks planned by the Chicago Police Department. There is one <a href="http://http//www.chicagopolice.org/MailingList/PressAttachment/rsc25may12.pdf">tonight</a> at 5440 W Madison. It will commence at 8 pm and conclude around 4 am tomorrow morning. Additionally, there will also be another roadside safety check <a href="http://http//www.chicagopolice.org/MailingList/PressAttachment/dui26may12.pdf">tomorrow night, May 26, 2012</a> somewhere in the Gresham (6th District) community. It will run during the same time period as the one now. Keep in mind, that even with these roadblocks there will also be saturation patrols throughout the duty.Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-39270264352157006722012-05-07T15:36:00.001-07:002012-05-07T15:36:07.554-07:00Chicago DUI Attorney Comments on Sometimes It Isn’t What It Appears to Be<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This Chicago DUI Attorney has posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/11/chicago-dui-lawyer-comments-on-signs-of.html">here </a>and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2008/12/what-is-driving-under-influence.html">here </a>about the signs officers use to make a DUI arrest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>A strong practitioner can sing these signs the way a 3 year old can sing their ABC’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Almost every arrest includes the following:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>A strong odor of alcohol</li><li>Eyes that are Bloodshot and/or glassy, and/or red</li><li>Speech that is slurred, mumbled, thick- tongued, confused</li></ul><br /> <div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And every time I have an officer testifying about these signs, I ask if there are any other reasons a person could possess those signs that has nothing to do with a DUI.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Most will be honest, although they may physically pout, and answer “yes”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So what happens when the arresting officer shows up with those signs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Today I asked an officer I knew what was wrong with her eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">Me: &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; You know they (her eyes) are bloodshot and red don’t you?</blockquote><blockquote>Officer:&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Ava, I’m exhausted I haven’t slept in almost 48 hours.</blockquote><blockquote>Me:&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Have you been drinking?</blockquote><blockquote>Officer (caught by surprise):&nbsp; Of course not!</blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">All those signs of intoxication should be challenged, because the officer has often experienced those very same signs when they are not under the influence.&nbsp;</div>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-50135951441464477022012-04-19T05:18:00.001-07:002012-04-19T05:18:00.635-07:00Chicago DUI Attorney Comments on The Criminalization of Speeding<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This Chicago DUI attorney has posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2011/06/chicago-dui-attorney-comments-on_12.html">here</a>, <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2010/03/chicago-dui-lawyer-thinks-media-doesnt.html">here</a>, and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2011/06/chicago-dui-attorney-thinks-you-should.html">here </a>on speeding still she wonders how fast is too fast?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">From the<a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-04-15/news/ct-met-supervision-law-20120415_1_driver-in-fatal-collision-supervision-special-probation"> Chicago Tribune</a> (and yes, yours truly is quoted in the article):<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;Julie Gorczynski was getting a ride after her shift at a suburban movie theater when a Mazda smashed into the passenger's side of her friend's Jeep, rolling the vehicle and killing the 17-year-old.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Orland Park police determined the Mazda was going at least 76 mph in a 40 mph zone, officials said. Behind the wheel was Lukasz Marszalek, a 21-year-old who still had his driving privileges despite a string of speeding violations. Courts repeatedly, and in some cases improperly, granted him a special probation, called court supervision, that kept his driving record clean enough to keep his license, a Tribune analysis shows.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;The June 2011 crash has sparked new legislation intended to curb who can get court supervision, barring anyone who is caught speeding by more than 25 mph on a nonrural road, or 30 mph on a highway, from getting the special probation.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If passed, it will be the third law in six years to restrict who is allowed to get court supervision. A Tribune investigation shows those previous laws have had limited success, however. While judges in Cook and the collar counties have reduced by half the number of improper supervisions issued each year, they are still incorrectly granting thousands, at an average of eight a day.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The most popular sentence for traffic offenders, supervisions allow governments to collect fees for traffic violations and drivers to avoid traffic convictions that can lead to increased insurance rates and, in the extreme, license suspensions.</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></span>Do you think 25 miles over the speed limit is too fast?</span></div><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {} </script>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-33353211789716086642012-04-04T12:44:00.000-07:002012-04-04T12:44:13.554-07:00Chicago DUI Attorney Wonders What Happens When the Chief of Police Gets Charged With a DUI<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What happens when the Chief of Police gets charged with a DUI?&nbsp; This Chicago DUI attorney has <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/07/chicago-dui-lawyer-says-this-dui.html">posted here when prosecutors get charged</a> and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/07/chicago-dui-lawyer-is-surprised-by.html">here </a>and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2008/12/lake-county-judge-keeps-hiis-driving.html">here </a>when judges get charged, as well as<a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/04/another-chicago-police-officers-dui.html"> here when rank-and-file police officers get charged</a>.&nbsp; No, I’m not kidding it really happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">From <a href="http://chicagotribune.com/">Chicagotribune.com</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">&nbsp;The Grayslake police chief was charged with drunk driving after he and his wife were involved in a crash while returning from a restaurant just over the state line in Wisconsin, authorities say.</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #292727;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Matt McCutcheon was turning onto Route 45 in Silver Lake when he struck a car on the highway around 10 p.m. Friday, according to the police report. No one was injured in either car.</span></span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #292727;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Responding officers said they found McCutcheon, 46, standing outside his black Honda when they arrived. He was swaying and almost lost his balance as he pulled out his wallet and showed his police badge, according to the police report.</span></span></blockquote><br /><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">McCutcheon refused treatment and said he was not going to the hospital. The officer told McCutcheon he needed to conduct a sobriety test but McCutcheon said he was refusing everything, according to the report.</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #292727;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Why do you think the Chief of Police <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2010/04/chicago-dui-lawyer-comments-on-vips-and.html">refused everything?</a>&nbsp; He’s been on the Grayslake force for almost 20 years.&nbsp; I suspect he knows a thing or two about how to help the government prosecute a DUI.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {} </script>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-84239744590165478762012-03-19T13:48:00.000-07:002012-03-19T13:48:09.853-07:00Chicago DUI Attorney Comments on Payment Plans for Parking Tickets<script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {} </script><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Chicago DUI attorney has posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2011/06/chicago-dui-attorney-comments-on-break.html">here</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/08/chicago-dui-lawyer-says-maybe-you-wont.html">here </a>about parking ticket suspensions and she’s pleased that the City has finally come to its senses.&nbsp; That’s right there’s an actual recognition that we have been in an economic slump for the last 4-5 years and as her mum would say, “you just can’t get blood from a turnip”.</span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-03-14/news/chi-city-ready-to-spread-out-ticket-payments-for-lowincome-scofflaws-20120314_1_scofflaws-parking-and-red-light-tickets-low-income-programs">From the Chicago Tribune</a>:</span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The city hopes to collect an extra $2.5 million in back-debt on parking and red-light tickets by allowing lower initial payments when debt repayment plans are worked out.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Under the plan, proposed Wednesday by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, scofflaws will no longer have to pay 25 percent of what they owe upfront.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead, the amount owed would be spread over equal monthly payments that would go on for as long as a year.</span></blockquote><br /><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To qualify, the scofflaws would have to already be qualified for one of several low-income programs.</span></blockquote><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #292727; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For years I've had clients charged with the criminal offense of Driving While their License is Suspended based purely on economic reasons, including emissions and parking tickets, while the suspension based on emissions has gone away, the suspension based on unpaid tolls or parking tickets has not. &nbsp;This really is a civil matter, and I certainly hope the legislators begin to consider lifting the suspension of driving privileges based on parking tickets soon.</span></div>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-52044210038551141182012-03-06T13:03:00.001-08:002012-03-06T13:04:31.476-08:00Breaking News! Chicago DUI Attorney Comments on Chicago Police Officer’s DUI Sentence<div class="MsoNormal">This Chicago DUI attorney posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2012/01/chicago-dui-attorney-comments-on.html">here </a>and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/06/chicago-dui-lawyer-provides-update-on.html">here </a>about Chicago Police Officer’s Anthony Bolling’s Chicago DUI.&nbsp; It involved the death of a boy who was riding his bicycle.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Today Officer Bolling was sentenced before Judge Matthew Coughlin.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">From the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-chicago-cop-gets-3-years-in-dui-death-of-boy-13-20120306,0,6940099.story">Chicago Tribune</a>:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="apple-style-span">A</span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/us/illinois/cook-county-PLGEO100100501000000.topic" id="PLGEO100100501000000" title="Cook County">Cook County</a></span><span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span><span class="apple-style-span">judge today sentenced Chicago police Officer Richard Bolling to 3 years in prison for killing a 13-year-old boy in an off-duty DUI crash and fleeing the scene.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #292727; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px;">Bolling, 43, had tears in his eyes as Judge Matthew Coghlan announced his decision.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #292727; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px;">Last January a Criminal Court jury found Bolling, a 17-year veteran narcotics officer, guilty of aggravated DUI, reckless homicide, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #292727; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px;">Coghlan also ordered that after his release from prison Bolling talk to recruits at the Chicago Police Academy about “how to properly handle an investigation into one of their own.”</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #292727; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px;">Prosecutors argued at trial that Bolling received preferential treatment from police the night in May 2009 that he struck and killed Trenton Booker at 81st Street and Ashland Avenue with his Dodge Charger.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #292727; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px;">One of the two officers who stopped him testified that she was ordered to "hold off" on field-sobriety tests by her watch commander. Those tests weren’t administered until two hours after the crash – but not before Bolling was allowed to use a washroom at a nearby gas station.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #292727; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px;">At the time, both arresting officers said Bolling passed the sobriety tests, but at the trial each changed their opinion, testifying that he had flunked key parts of the tests. One officer said she was "nervous" when she administered the tests because of all the superior officers at the scene.</span></blockquote><span class="apple-style-span"></span><br /><blockquote><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #292727; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px;">It wasn't until 4 1/2 hours after the crash that Bolling, on orders of an internal affairs sergeant, took a blood-alcohol breath test. He registered just below the legal limit of 0.08 percent, but an Illinois State Police forensic toxicologist estimated Bolling's blood-alcohol content at the time of crash was as much as twice the legal limit.</span></span></blockquote><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #292727; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #292727; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px;">It looks like the professional courtesy Officer Bolling received was not enough to convince a jury to find him guilty.</span></div><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {} </script>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-7007592122821268772012-03-06T12:19:00.000-08:002012-03-06T12:19:39.255-08:00Chicago DUI Attorney Comments on Judges Losing Their Authority to Sentence<table class="xsl" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-left-color: black; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: black; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: black; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: 'courier New'; font-size: 10pt;"><tbody><tr><td class="xsl" style="border-bottom-color: black; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: black; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: black; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: black; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-top: 3pt;"><code style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'courier New'; font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;This Chicago DUI attorney has posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2010/03/chicago-dui-lawyer-says-state.html">here </a>and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/03/now-judges-dont-get-to-make-sentencing.html">here </a>about judges losing the ability to sentence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Now your legislators down in Springfield want to take away even more sentencing authority from judges.<br /></code><code><a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&amp;SessionId=84&amp;GA=97&amp;DocTypeId=SB&amp;DocNum=3763&amp;GAID=11&amp;LegID=65848&amp;SpecSess=&amp;Session=" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'courier New'; font-size: 10pt;">SB3763</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier New'; font-size: small;">:</span><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><code>Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that any person who is&nbsp;</code><code>found guilty of or pleads guilty to driving while intoxicated, including&nbsp;</code><code>any person receiving a disposition of court supervision for violating that&nbsp;</code><code>Section, shall (instead of "may") be required to attend a victim impact&nbsp;</code><code>panel. Adds Victim Impact Speakers to the list of organizations permitted&nbsp;</code><code>to run victim impact panels. Effective immediately.</code></blockquote></code><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier New'; font-size: small;"><code></code></span></td></tr><tr align="right" class="lineNum"></tr></tbody></table><br /><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {} </script><br /><div>In many counties throughout the state Victim Impact Panels are a standard part of the sentencing, but those decisions are being made by judges.</div>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-6122090059491509902012-02-01T15:50:00.000-08:002012-02-01T15:50:42.673-08:00Chicago DUI Attorney, Comments on More Tows Coming Your Way<div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday this Chicago DUI attorney's <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2012/01/chicago-dui-attorney-comments-on-high.html">post </a>was about municipalities finding more reasons to tow your vehicle for an administrative infraction of the law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Today, state legislators appear to be looking to assist those municipalities by proposing another reason to have your car towed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This time it’s because you can’t show proof of insurance.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&amp;SessionId=84&amp;GA=97&amp;DocTypeId=HB&amp;DocNum=4533&amp;GAID=11&amp;LegID=64217&amp;SpecSess=&amp;Session=">HB4533</a>:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .25pt; width: 100.0%;"><tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 3.0pt 0in 3.0pt 0in;"> <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid black .25pt; width: 100.0%;"><tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal"><code><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">625 ILCS 5/4-203</span></code><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal"><code><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 4-203</span></code><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid black 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid black .25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid black .25pt; padding: 3.0pt 0in 3.0pt 0in;"> <div class="MsoNormal"><code><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that whenever a law</span></code><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">&nbsp;</span></span><code><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">enforcement officer issues a citation to a driver for operating an</span></code><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">&nbsp;</span></span><code><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">uninsured motor vehicle, the arresting officer may authorize the removal</span></code><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">&nbsp;</span></span><code><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">and impoundment of the vehicle by a towing service. Effective January 1,</span></code><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;">&nbsp;</span></span><code><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">2013.</span></code><span style="font-family: &quot;Courier New&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In Illinois, it is a non-criminal offense to drive without insurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This would let the police decide whether they wish to tow your vehicle because you forgot to put the new card in your wallet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Do you think that’s a good idea?</div><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {} </script>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-4973158524446525132012-01-31T17:42:00.000-08:002012-01-31T17:42:22.174-08:00Chicago DUI Attorney Comments on the High Price of Having a Car Towed<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Chicago DUI attorney has posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2010/05/chicago-dui-attorney-comments-on-uptick.html">here </a>about the cost of towing.&nbsp; Just last week she found herself in a tow truck.&nbsp; Thankfully, it wasn’t for any illegal parking just a stubborn vehicle that felt like sleeping on the job.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still, did you know how many different scenarios there are that involve getting your vehicle towed?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120124/news/701249762/">January 24, Elgin, IL</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There used to be four offenses in Elgin that would cost you $500 on top of the cost of the actual tow and impounding of your vehicle. The city council will vote Wednesday on adding eight to the list.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A new Illinois law that went into effect Jan. 1 outlines the violations for which municipalities could assign administrative towing fees. Elgin no longer can tow a vehicle for a loud music violation — but it still plans to impose a $500 fine — and it cannot tow when a driver’s license is suspended for unpaid citations or failure to comply with emissions testing.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is driven more by the state making its change,” Theriault said. “Legal is adapting to it, and we’re next in line to adapt to the new ordinance.”</span></blockquote><div style="margin-bottom: .15in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .15in; mso-line-height-alt: 10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The noise violation was the first to come with an administrative towing fee in Elgin. It started at $250 but was doubled in October 2009 when three new offenses were added: driving without a license, driving with a suspended or revoked license and driving under the influence.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Theriault said there are still a lot of what-ifs in deciding how to enforce DUI. For example, if a police officer saw someone driving a car and then stopped him after he left the vehicle for something like possession of marijuana, should the car be towed? What if it is a passenger of the vehicle holding drugs during a traffic stop?</span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mayor David Kaptain, a supporter of such expansion for years, said the state law will give cities a unified approach in implementing administrative tows and could provide consistency from one place to another — if municipalities expand their own ordinances like Elgin.</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you think other municipalities will help Elgin’s desired unified approach to towing?</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {} </script>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-25065506054920139842012-01-30T19:32:00.000-08:002012-01-30T19:48:16.871-08:00Chicago DUI Attorney Wonders, " What If You Aren't Guilty?"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">This Chicago DUI Attorney has posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/02/another-top-chicago-dui-officer-is.html">here </a>and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/03/legislation-i-hope-comes-to-illinois.html">here </a>about being wrongly accused.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">There are horror stories every day about crimes committed. &nbsp;Still we</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">all tend to ignore the stories of the falsely accused.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Every time someone hears what I do for a living, I'm asked how I can</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">defend people who are guilty. &nbsp;I always respond that I often defend</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">folks who are not guilty but wrongly charged. &nbsp;Inevitably the asker of</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">the question looks at me as if I'm a Martian.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice_delayed_is_justice_denied">Justice delayed is still Justice denied.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">From <a href="http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/26/10243856-letters-from-solitary-confinement-reveal-dwi-mans-despair#.Tyavzs3jogM.gmail">msnbc.com</a>:&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">A man arrested for driving while intoxicated and then forced into</span></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">solitary confinement for two years tried to get help by writing to the</span></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">jail's nurse, but the only response he got was a dose of sedatives,</span></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">his lawyer said.</span></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Stephen Slevin, 57, was arrested in August 2005 in New Mexico’s Dona</span></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Ana County, charged with aggravated driving while under the influence</span></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">and possession of a stolen vehicle, although Slevin maintains the car</span></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">was lent to him by a friend. On Tuesday, a federal jury in Sante Fe</span></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">awarded him $22 million in damages for enduring inhumane conditions in</span></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">the Dona Ana County jail, which he emerged from "hollow," Matt Coyte,</span></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">his lawyer, told&nbsp;<a href="http://msnbc.com/" target="_blank">msnbc.com</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday.</span></span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Would you feel differently about his treatment if he was found guilty?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {} </script>Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-41275826412853847992012-01-20T18:35:00.000-08:002012-01-20T18:35:47.831-08:00Chicago DUI Attorney Reminds You That Roadblocks Continue in 2012<script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}</script><br /><br />This Chicago DUI attorney hopes you are safely off the roads this evening. The roads are difficult to maneuver and while the <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/content/city/en/depts/mayor/iframe/plow_tracker.html">snow plows</a> are running full force, they seem to be running behind the snow. If you are out, you should know that a <a href="http://www.chicagopolice.org/MailingList/PressAttachment/rsc20jan12.pdf">roadblock is scheduled to begin shortly at 53rd and Ashland.</a> That means with the significantly decreased road traffic tonight, you should be particularly heightened to safe driving measures.Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695656655597316758.post-86902200037253639442012-01-18T15:24:00.000-08:002012-01-18T15:24:55.117-08:00Chicago DUI Attorney Comments on a Chicago Police Officer's Guilty DUI Verdict<script type="text/javascript">var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript">try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-7726306-2"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}</script><br /><br />This Chicago DUI attorney posted <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/06/chicago-dui-lawyer-provides-update-on.html">here</a> and <a href="http://chicagoduilaw.blogspot.com/2009/05/chicago-dui-lawyer-comments-on-chicago.html">here</a> about the veteran Chicago Police Officer who was accused of leaving the scene involving a boy and a bicycle. The boy died.<br /><br />The jury rendered their decision in this matter and found Officer Richard Bolling guilty of Reckless Homicide and DUI.<br /><br /><br />From <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/crime/10087948-418/chicago-cop-guilty-of-reckless-homicide-dui-in-death-of-cyclist-13.html">suntimes.com:<br /></a><br /><br /><blockquote>A Cook County jury Wednesday found a Chicago cop who ran over a 13-year-old cyclist guilty of reckless homicide and drunken driving.<br /><br />After deliberating for nine hours, a jury found Richard Bolling, 42, guilty of reckless homicide, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.</blockquote><br />Anyone else wondering what the jury was deliberating about?Law Office of Ava George Stewart, P.C.http://www.blogger.com/profile/08758652943743206299noreply@blogger.com0